Hays to have preliminary hearing

An adult male was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 29, in conjunction with an aggravated battery that took place in Preston on Friday, Feb. 24.

Preston Police took Charles D. Hays, 23, address unknown, into custody and charged him with one count of aggravated battery, a felony. He is currently being held at the Caribou County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

Hays was arraigned in magistrate court in Preston on March 1 and will have a preliminary hearing locally on Thursday, March 8.

There have been two separate incidents involving assault in the Preston area in recent weeks. They are totally unrelated and involved four adult males in two separate altercations.

Preston Police Chief Val Sparrow said the first incident was reported on Feb. 15 and involved two male subjects at the corner of 200 So. 100 East.

The second incident occurred on Feb. 24 at approximately 100 So. 100 East, according to police reports, and again involved two adult males.

Sparrow said no muggings were involved and there is absolutely no indication of any type of gang activity.

“We want the public to know the streets of Preston are safe and there is no reason for alarm,” he said. “However, if anyone is aware of suspicious activity, they should contact the police department at 852-2433.”

Sparrow said his department is not releasing more information at this time on the initial case because of the on-going active investigation.